BHS Crimson features Peer Leaders board

Will Simpson and Aletha Reynolds • February 12, 2026

The Peer Leaders mural located in the Upper Gym, where Peer Leaders activities take place.

Ask anybody that is involved with the peer leader program and they will tell you that joining the club was one of the best decisions they made during their tenure at BHS. The club not only shapes you into a better person as you help others navigate their way through high school, but it also teaches you valuable life skills regarding leadership. At the start of every school year, peer leaders take on the very difficult task of helping Freshmen acclimate to their new and overwhelming environment. These eight board members: Lucie Robles, Anna Barbolla, Abby Dooley, Sophia Fazel, Jack Ecklund, Jessica Fu, Lyla Carey, Julia Shmidt have exemplified what it means to be a peer leader. These board members act as positive role models for their fellow students, and lead by example through their integrity and kindness.

Peer Leader Board 2025-26

Jessica Fu

Q: What made you want to join peer leaders?

A: “As a freshman, I had the BEST peer leaders (Gabby DeNicola & Noelle Infusino)! They were so helpful and genuinely loved to talk and get to know everyone in my group. Instead of dreading peer leaders like others, I looked forward to it every week. When applications opened in the spring, I wanted to apply to make an impact on others like they did on me!”

Q: How has the peer leader program shaped you into a better person?

A: “The program has definitely made me more aware of how I present myself both inside and outside of school. As a peer leader, you are expected to be a model student, meaning you are not just someone who is outgoing and friendly, but respectful, knowledgeable, and compassionate.”

Julia poses for a headshot from one of her previous roles. (Julia Schmidt)

Julia Schmidt

Q: What qualities do you have that make you a good peer leader?

A: “I am really good at stepping up in situations when I am needed. I am able to use the information I am given and help problem-solve when a group needs it most.

Q: Why would you recommend the Peer Leader Program for BHS students?

A: I would recommend all students who want to be connected to the larger BHS community to apply for peer leaders. It is an incredible organization that has only improved my high school experience and made it go from good to great.”

Lyla Carey

Q: What made you want to join peer leaders?

A: The peer leaders I had were very encouraging and outgoing, and it was their strong leadership that facilitated such a fun and positive experience when I was a freshman that inspired me to apply to join the program.

Q: Why would you recommend the peer leadership program to your fellow students?

A: Through peer leaders, I have gotten to meet and connect with students that I may not have gotten to otherwise, and I have been able to contribute to the school community through the experiences the program has given me

Lucie Robles

Q: What made you want to join Peer Leaders?

A: I wanted to join the peer leaders because I am passionate about helping others and fostering a friendly environment for our students. I also wanted to grow my leadership skills and be a part of hands-on experiences that help grow not only our Bernards community, but also our town.

Q: Why would you recommend the Peer Leader Program for BHS students?

A: I would recommend the Program because it allows students to take an active role in creating a more inclusive culture at BHS. We build relationships with incoming freshman students, our mentors, community members, and our fellow peer leaders. By working together on the 8th Grade Summit or the Car Wash initiative, we gain practical communication and confidence skills that we are able to carry with us through the rest of our lives.

Abbie Dooley

Q: What made you want to join peer leaders?

A: I wanted to join peer leaders because I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to get involved in the school and connect with my peers, both the freshman class and the other peer leaders.

Q: How has the peer leader program shaped you into a better person?

A: The Peer Leader program has helped me grow as both a leader and a person. Through this program, I get to exercise my leadership skills, whether that be through working with freshmen or within the peer leadership program itself, to tackle challenges and make the community a better place.

The Crimson

The Crimson

The Crimson

BHS Crimson features Peer Leaders board

The Crimson

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